Street party to cheer on Roy’s boys at Euros

Football fans will be able to follow Roy Hodgson’s lions in France at a number of street parties being held in Peterborough to mark the European Championships.

Roy’s team travel to France for Euro 16 next month, facing games against Russia, Wales and Slovakia.

And supporters who are not able to follow England in France in person will be able to get the big game atmosphere at parties held in the city centre.

The events are the brain child of Simon Baker, who has run similar celebrations during previous tournaments from The Sports Lounge - which has since closed.

This year the parties will be held at a specially constructed ‘XL Arena’ in Brook Street.

Mr Baker said: “After the success of the World Cup and Euro street parties back in 2010, 2012 and 2014, we will be bringing back the entire party spirit and atmosphere to a brand new venue called the XL Arena located on Brook Street, Peterborough.”

The events will include a DJ and live bands, as well as a big screen to watch the matches on.

There will be two large bars, and even a merchandise stall so people will be able to wear their colours with pride.

The first match shown will be on June 11, when England play Russia. The following game will be the England v Slovakia game on June 20, and - if the Three Lions get that far - all the knock out games will be shown.

However, the ‘local derby’ with Wales will not be shown.

Simon said: “The reason is that the kick off is 2pm on a Thursday and the majority of the customers will be at work and the risk and cost element means we couldn’t justify putting it all on in the afternoon.”

Tickets will cost £5, and are available by visiting The Solstice in Northminster, or www.euro16events.co.uk